LocationsJPO Story - Julia Day
November 16, 2023
Coordination meeting with the international partners (MINSUCA, UN Women, Global Survivors Fund, Centre pour le Dialogue Humanitaire), in support of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission (CVJRR) in Bangui, CAR, February 2023.
What is your educational background?
I hold a MA in International Law from the Universities of Geneva and Basel (Switzerland) and a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Basel as well as a certification as an intercultural Mediator.
What made you apply to the JPO programme/what is your motivation to work with your UN agency?
After working for the UN as an intern and then as a consultant, I served as a legal representative for refugees in my hometown in Switzerland. However, I found myself missing the international work environment and seeking more experience abroad. The JPO program offered such exciting positions, and I regularly looked them up before finally deciding to give it a try. I am incredibly grateful that I took this step; after all, if you don't try, you've already lost.
In your day-to-day work, what SDG(s) are you helping to implement?
I am currently working on a project that supports the rule of law, justice, and security in Libya, after having worked on transitional justice in CAR from 2022 to 2023 – both projects align with SDG 16.
What are the main activities/tasks you are working on? What is a day at the office/in the field like?
My work involves project management, where I support the drafting of project documents, design activities, and implement them in collaboration with our implementing partners, national counterparts, and donor partners.
What is the most challenging project that you have worked on/are working on?
Both the Central African Republic and Libya are countries in conflict with high levels of uncertainty and frequently changing circumstances, making it challenging to plan activities. This experience has significantly enhanced my professional adaptability and flexibility.
Julia Day, Programme Analyst at UNDP Libya
What set of skills have you developed most throughout your assignment?
The most important set of skills I have developed, apart from UNDP project management, are people skills that include listening, intercultural communication, coordination, and flexibility..
What piece of advice would you give to those who are considering applying to the JPO Programme?
If your country offers JPO positions, consider applying to as many as possible, including contexts you might not initially feel familiar with. Based on my prior expertise, CAR wouldn't have been my first choice, but I had an incredibly positive experience there. If your country doesn't provide JPO positions, explore countries like the Netherlands that also offer JPO opportunities to candidates from other nationalities.
Personally, it was important for me to gain field experience. This role comes with substantial responsibilities and insights, which I believe are essential for any future positions at a regional hub or headquarters.
How do you feel your JPO assignment will influence your career choices/opportunities within the UN?
The JPO program is an excellent entry point into the UN system. The advertised positions are strategically chosen to provide you with extensive exposure and can serve as a perfect steppingstone for advancing your career within the UN.
Do you feel that you are part of a community of purpose?
Yes, I do. Having said that, I am very conscious of the responsibility to constantly review and re-evaluate how we as the UN are fulfilling that purpose, especially in a rapidly changing world.
What is the biggest motivator for you when it comes to your work?
The people: whether they are our beneficiaries, national counterparts, or colleagues, I find inspiration in the international setting and the learning opportunities they provide. I also enjoy working at country office level, as it brings me closer to our beneficiaries and national counterparts, giving me a clearer understanding and greater visibility of the impact of our activities.
In what ways do you feel you are part of an organization that fosters people's development?
There are numerous ways in which we can professionally develop ourselves within UNDP just to mention some: Mentorships, training, detail assignments, etc. - It is up to us to prioritize them.
"Professionally, this has been the most exciting leap I have taken so far. Not only do I get to learn so many new things in my job, personally, interpersonally, and culturally, but I am also part of a network of fellow JPOs who are just a call or a message away and with whom you can connect, share your experiences, or ask for advice"Julia Day